The Black Professional Organizational Fair provided Lipscomb students from diverse backgrounds and experiences the chance to get connected early in their chosen fields.
Lipscomb’s Office of Intercultural Development and College of Business partnered together to host the fourth annual Black Professional Organizational Fair this past Tuesday. The event featured food from local black-owned businesses and representatives from various black professional organizations ready to meet, network & provide resources to students.
Dean of Student Life, Prentice Ashford, pointed out that events like these are important for students to take advantage of, even if you’re nervous about approaching someone in your career field.
“The fair is designed for students who are overwhelmed or for those who don’t know how to connect professionally,” Ashford said. “We try to make it intimate and small to where you feel like you can build the confidence to just keep making your way around.”
Both local and national societies from a wide variety of fields provided networking opportunities to encourage students to join their organization. Among those in attendance were the National Association of Black Accountants, National Black Nurses Association, and the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce. However, the connections and partnerships made at the fair shouldn’t stop here.
“Make sure you follow up. Students who went to these tables should get their contact information and ask, ‘What would be the most appropriate method to follow up with you?’, Ashford said. Then, actually do that! And utilize the career center and OID on campus so we can hopefully get you ready to make a difference at one of these organizations.”
If you have questions or want more information on the national or local organizations at the fair, contact the Office of Intercultural Development or College of Business.
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